From his early teenage years, DJ YNot? has had an interest in DJing. He got his first set of turntables in the late 90’s , and, within a year’s time, received a call from what would become his training grounds to “hone his craft”. A local night club in central Jersey called "Packees" is where you would’ve found DJ YNot? every Thursday night. Soon after, he began receiving calls from other venues in New Jersey, eventually landing himself residencies at some of the more well known clubs in central NJ - Deko Lounge, Club Platinum, as well as the world renowned Club Abyss. Eventually, he was sharing stages with DJs: Kid Capri, Funk Master Flex, DJ Enuff, Tony Touch, just to name a few. He also found himself getting booked at events with Russel Simmons, Fatman Scoop, Lil Kim, The Lox, Talib Kweli and Fat Joe. In 2004, He made his television debut as the guest DJ in BET’s “Rapcity the Basement” and again in later 2005. The Hip Hop video show receives 15 million viewers nation wide. DJ YNot? also became a staff DJ for retail urban clothing company “Against All Odds”. On the up-swing of his career as a secular DJ, God had different plans.

“I remember the exact night, the club was packed. I had a sudden overwhelming feeling of conviction about the roll that I was playing as the DJ. That night in the club, I believe, through those feelings, God was showing me that what I was doing disappointed Him. When you're DJing full-time, 5-6 days a week, it stops being just a job - it becomes a lifestyle. It comes with influence - along with lots of other things. You’ll be surprised at what you can make people do by just saying a few words on the mic - along with playing a catchy song. God showed me that I was leading people the wrong way."

In the beginning of 2006, DJ YNot? found the truth in Jesus Christ, and left the club scene. As a husband and father, and with DJ’ing as his only source of income, this was nothing short of a leap of faith.

“I didn’t know how I was going to put food on the table. I went from making over a grand a week - to basically nothing. Looking back now, I know it was God who got me through that time in my life. I gave up that thing, that at the time, I loved the most - my DJing! Inside, I was cool with it, even though it wasn't easy. But I trusted Him. I thought after all, it was Him who gave me this gift, and all this time, I was using it to play for the wrong side."

Time went on, and he became more mature in his faith. He soon began to see God returning to him what he had left at his feet almost 2 years ago. Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose". His goal is to take everything God has given him and use it as his tools to turn the negative to positive. Since coming to the Kingdom, he has had the opportunity to share stages with artists such as Hillsong United, Lecrae, Kirk Franklin, Canton Jones, Flame, Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, amongst countless others. He was the official DJ to Revelation Generation's Urban Stage in 2009 as well as the official DJ to Battlecry 2010 Greater NY Area.

DJ YNot? is one of the tri-state's most highly sought after DJs, and is often mixing up for events large and small, public and private. He is the official DJ for Aquire the Fire (www.aquirethefire.com), and tours with the ministry from the fall to spring months. He has become a staple in the Christian urban community with his purist approach to the art form - toting 2 turntables as his standard. His mixtapes have found their way into the hands of both believers and nonbelievers alike, spanning across the nation and overseas. His experiences as a DJ has given him the ability to develop artists, and his keen sense of music has made him a tastemaker in the genre.

I just had a conversation about being a Christian but Dj-ing in a secular environment. I too know that God doesn’t want me to DJ for the world, no matter how much I love it or how good I am. I am unemployed, married with kids and rely heavily on my gigs to support my family.
Your testimony was the affirmation I needed. That God will provide. Thanks for the word. Let’s connect.